Stats: Why Manchester United have to sign Alexis Sanchez this summer

Alexis Sanchez's excellent form has not gone unnoticed this season and he's set to be targeted by a number of Europe's top sides.

According to Spanish media outlet Sport, Barcelona have rejected three bids from clubs abroad for the services of 25-year-old Alexis Sanchez.

The report states that Manchester United are one of the interested parties, with the Red Devils seeking to secure the Chilean’s signature ahead of next season.

Sanchez cost Barca around £30million back in 2011, but he could available at a cut-price deal after being left frustrated on the side-lines at the Nou Camp.

The Red Devils current crop of wingers have failed to perform throughout the past campaign, with Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia all facing the axe throughout the upcoming window.

Here are five reasons why Alexis Sanchez would be a perfect signing for the Manchester outfit:

1) In 54 appearances in all competitions he managed an impressive 21 goals and 15 assists, completing his best ever campaign as a Barcelona player. In La Liga alone, the Chilean netted on 19 occasions, providing a huge return as the Catalan’s fell just short in the race for the league title. The season saw him score more often than the entire Manchester United midfield combined.

2) Sanchez fashioned 47 chances in total, assisting 10 league goals. He ended the season as Barcelona’s fifth most creative player, behind Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. When compared to the current Manchester United side, only Wayne Rooney provided a greater number of opportunities for his team mates, with 56 key passes and an equal 10 assists to his name.

3) The Chilean’s shot accuracy and ability to finish is significantly superior to the club’s current wide options. Sanchez hit the target from 59% of his attempts last season, whilst converting 31.1% of his chances. His closest challenger, Antonio Valencia, hit the target with 46% of his strikes, converting just 15.4% of these goal scoring opportunities.

4) Sanchez suffered 54 fouls last campaign, winning more free-kicks than Nani, Valencia and Ashley Young combined. His trickery and pace could cause tremendous problems for a number of Premier League full-backs next season.

5) Considering Sanchez has played just 13 full league matches all season, these statistics are unbelievable; he has experienced his best season as a Barcelona player, despite a distinct lack of football. As a regular starter at Old Trafford he has the ability to set the Premier League alight.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.